te Kaupapa o te Kura

WHAT IS NGA KURA A-IWI?

Ngā Kura ā Iwi is a movement that has evolved due to the incredible effort, commitment and sacrifice of many elders, community leaders, families, schools, teachers and students. We will always be thankful for the efforts of many, which has enabled Ngā Kura ā Iwi to contribute to the advancement of our people and the growth of the Maori Medium movement. This movement includes Kōhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kura ā Iwi, Immersion Units and Wānanga. 

Tukuihotanga - Culturacy is our “X” Factor: Tukuihotanga or Culturacy is the differentiating factor in regards to Kura ā Iwi. Culturacy is our tribal identity, our language (dialect), our culture and our values. For NKAI, Culturacy is the foundation because;

• It is who we are and we own it.

• It is at the heart of the education of our uri (students).

• Our aim is to ensure uri are “culturate”.

• Being a Ngāti - Secure in identity.

• A culturate uri will be a servant of their people.                                                  

 ​Written by Watson Ohia, Pou Kōkiri o NKAI, 2019 

A timeline of education in pawarenga

1918 - 1943 Rotokakahi Native School in operation

February 1927 - Te Kura o Hata Maria mercy school opened by 

Sister Anselm, Sr Marellus, Sr Cyril & Sr Helen Flynn 

1943 - 1969 Rotokakahi Maori School in operation

1969 - Rotokakahi Maori School abolished

27th April 2020 - Te Kura o Hata Maria closes

28th April 2020 - Te Kura a-Iwi o Pawarenga opens

*Before the government initiated the establishment of schools, taitamariki were educated at home, by their wider whanau